During
the 1960s, young people began to reject
conformity and to advocate a liberal
attitude and lifestyle. They fought "the
establishment," which they believed
was classified by institutions such as the
church, the government and forms of higher
education- institutions that controlled the
moral, political and social norms.

The revolutionary trends spread rapidly
and were especially prevalent among college
and university students. Mount Holyoke women
were strong participants in this development
and promoted change both on and off campus.
Students rebelled against the rigidity of
college rules, fought to obtain control over
their own lifestyles, and to have a role
in the governance of college. A very significant
change that Mount Holyoke students lobbied
for was to change how the press and the general
public viewed Mount Holyoke women. Although
Mary Lyon's successors did attempt to update
the perception of students, the outside world
still viewed Mount Holyoke women as dowdy
and old-fashioned.